Selectmen Call for Up-to-Date Delinquent Debt Listing-August 26, 1965

The action followed a meeting with Town Treasurer and Tax Collector Raymond Halloran, who had previously submitted historical ledger data dating back to 1939.

Selectman Walter Dempsey, who requested the meeting, clarified that there was no criticism intended toward the treasurer’s office, but emphasized that collection policies needed to be strictly enforced moving forward. Halloran noted that a significant portion of the delinquencies stemmed from unpaid ambulance service fees and sanitation charges. Citizens frequently ignore ambulance fees, Halloran observed, because “the attitude of some of the people is that they are paying for that service with their taxes.”

To address the issue, selectmen urged more stringent collection methods and directed Halloran to file formal status reports with recommendations for pursuing delinquents twice a year, in February and July. Additionally, the board voted to lift the $10 charge on ambulance services for all resident users. Board Chairman Harry B. Butters noted that many outstanding business accounts could likely be resolved simply through direct telephone reminders from the collector’s office, as firms often forgot or assumed the bills had been paid. Halloran also pointed out that the town’s light department—operated independently of other municipal departments—carried its own separate delinquent accounts under distinct statutory guidelines.

George Willett Parkway Road Construction Approved

In other municipal business, selectmen unanimously approved a motion offered by Selectman Dempsey authorizing the construction of a 22-foot gravel road along George Willett Parkway. The roadway will provide direct access to property owned by dentist Dr. Norton Fishman of 361 Nichols St.

While Dr. Fishman originally requested financial assistance from the town, the board rejected municipal backing, stipulating that the roadway and all necessary utility installations must be constructed entirely at Dr. Fishman’s expense. Attorney Justin Barton, representing Dr. Fishman, noted that the proposed access route adjoins the pathway to the Cleveland Elementary School. Selectman Dempsey confirmed he consulted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip O. Coakley, who stated he had no objection to the project. The motion passed with the requirement that the Town Manager’s office be notified of all construction progress.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger